gratitude

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”

Melody Beattie

I’ve determined that now it is simply my time to be quiet. To be still. To simply Be.

It’s a relief to come to a conclusion about it, frankly.

This means I can stop seeking the answer and just get on with the act of Being.

Now that that is settled I made a blogging decision.

Simplify.

I love photographing sunrises, as you know.

During my Breath Walk Meditation morning walks I sometimes take the camera in case there’s something to capture.

Morning came early after a fitful, tossy-turny night. Tornadoes ripped up my homeland yesterday, laying it bare by frightening, extreme elements. I’ve lived through many tornadoes which fortunately turned left or right or lifted up and didn’t hit the house where I’d hunkered down. My family and friends along that long, long path of destruction are on my mind, in my heart and thoughts this morning. Sending them courage and strength and lots of love.

Alive (C) 2013 by Debi Bradford

In the middle of the tornadoes a very good friend was laying her mother to rest after a long illness. No amount of tornadoes could stop that process. I wasn’t there because I was here but what my friend told me later will stay with me forever. She said as she watched her mother’s life slip away breath by breath she noticed a profound difference in her face. Lines began disappearing and her face became youthful. The pallor of sickness left and her skin began to glow. She turned back into the beautiful woman she was before her illness. My friend likened it to a new birth, a new beginning, and watching this miracle brought my friend peace. Isn’t that lovely?

Morning Has Broken (C) 2013 by Debi Bradford

Events such as these open my heart to Gratitude as I reflect upon the gifts given me. Today, I am extraordinarily grateful for my life and that of my friends and family, people in my blogosphere, acquaintances and old workmates, musicians whose tunes get my foot to tapping, and Adam, our waiter at Nikki’s last night who gave us such great service with humor and a smile. Grateful for my Twinnie and upcoming trip to Scotland. Happy to find a new Soul Friend Photographer. Thankful for the extra weight I carry because I am not hungry. Happy for this grey, foggy morning because I can breathe it in, see it and feel the moisture on my skin. Life is Precious. What a Gift, what a Gift.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” (Melanie Beattie)

I am forever grateful, thankful for my family and friends each of who contribute to my life in their own unique and wonderful way. Embrace this holiday, and every day, with gratitude.

I am a freelance Photographer born and raised in the Southeast. I have uprooted my life in Macon Georgia for a new life as an unlikely cowgirl in love with a handsome cowboy in Wyoming. I hope you enjoy my photo journal on life, love, and the spirit of Wyoming.